‘I don’t approach games in the same way’ Spurs’ Tanguy Ndombele opens up about change

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‘I don’t approach games in the same way’ Spurs’ Tanguy Ndombele opens up about change

Ndombele’s evolved under Mourinho

Jose Mourinho spoke out at the end of 2020 about how the French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele had gone under a process of evolution at the club and gradually earned his place back into his team.

“We are happy, apart from a couple of matches where his performances were not good. Overall there was a big evolution,” said Mourinho. “He’s a player who is playing very well and is giving some good things to the team.”

‘I don’t approach games in the same way’ Spurs’ Tanguy Ndombele opens up about change

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 27, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

“In his case, he’s adapting to a league that is not new, new, new for him but let’s forget last season where he didn’t play much and had lots of injuries.”

“This season I believe to play at this intensity and to give the team what it needs with and without the ball, it’s not easy for him to last 90 minutes. To play at this intensity – Premier League intensity – and to last for 90 minutes is another step in the direction of his fitness.”

He has scored 3 goals and helped with an assist in the league. He has scored a further 2 in Spurs’ FA Cup run and converted a crucial goal in the club’s European qualification match with Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

With Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Dele Alli having been used more recently in a central attacking role, the Frenchman has regressed into the more defensive position alongside Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg.

Ndombele approaching games differently

Ndombele struggled initially under Jose Mourinho, even reportedly saying that he would not play again for the Portuguese coach after a falling out between the pair. Since, he has reintegrated himself into the first team and become a regular under the former Manchester United and Chelsea coach.

Speaking to French outlet RMC Sport, Ndombele opened up about the changes he has made this season and where he has seen improvements in his game.

“I think yes,” he said when asked if he had changed.

“I don’t approach games the same way. I have more confidence and the club has helped me to have more confidence in myself. I also worked physically during the break from the championships last season, so I’m less injured. I am more mature too. Afterwards, I have less madness in my game, but that’s how it is.

“I feel it. I have less recklessness in my game. There are times when I can project myself and move forward and I do it less. Before, I wouldn’t have asked myself any questions. That’s what I feel.”

‘I don’t approach games in the same way’ Spurs’ Tanguy Ndombele opens up about change

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Tanguy NDombele of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Europa League Group J stage match between Tottenham Hotspur and PFC Ludogorets Razgrad at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 26, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

When questioned on whether the changes he has made in becoming more defensive is less fun for him, he was bullish in his response.

“No not necessarily,” he said. “There are things I didn’t do before that I enjoy now. More defending, running, tackling. Before, it was more dribbling, making assists. I have freedom, the coach knows that. I’m not a player who can be told to stay put. I need a little freedom but I try not to abuse it and do what’s right for the team.”

Ndombele could be crucial for Spurs as they prepare to face Arsenal in the North London derby.

Explanation provided for Tanguy Ndombele’s absence from Spurs squad to face Arsenal

Tottenham’s Tanguy Ndombele suggests he is open to PSG switch in future


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# Team MP D P
1 Manchester City FC 29 40 68
2 Manchester United FC 28 23 54
3 Leicester City FC 28 16 53
4 Chelsea FC 29 19 51
5 West Ham United FC 27 11 48
6 Everton FC 27 4 46
7 Tottenham Hotspur FC 27 18 45
8 Liverpool FC 28 11 43
9 Aston Villa FC 27 11 41
10 Arsenal FC 27 7 38
11 Leeds United 28 -3 36
12 Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 28 -9 35
13 Crystal Palace FC 28 -17 34
14 Southampton FC 28 -14 33
15 Burnley FC 28 -16 30
16 Newcastle United FC 28 -17 28
17 Brighton & Hove Albion FC 27 -8 26
18 Fulham FC 28 -11 26
19 West Bromwich Albion 28 -36 18
20 Sheffield United FC 28 -29 14
Player Team Goals
Salah, Mohamed Liverpool FC 17
Kane, Harry Tottenham Hotspur FC 16
Fernandes, Bruno Manchester United FC 16
Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Everton FC 14
Son, Heung Min Tottenham Hotspur FC 13
Bamford, Patrick Leeds United 13
Vardy, Jamie Leicester City FC 12
Gundogan, Ilkay Manchester City FC 12
Wilson, Callum Newcastle United FC 10
Watkins, Ollie Aston Villa FC 10
Rashford, Marcus Manchester United FC 9
Sterling, Raheem Manchester City FC 9
Mahrez, Riyad Manchester City FC 9
Barnes, Harvey Leicester City FC 9
Zaha, Wilfried Crystal Palace FC 9
Lacazette, Alexandre Arsenal FC 9
Aubameyang, Pierre-Emerick Arsenal FC 9
Maddison, James Leicester City FC 8
Ings, Danny Southampton FC 8
Soucek, Tomas West Ham United FC 8

Source: 101greatgoals.com